Bobby Goodspeed shows respect

Bobby Goodspeed Shows Respect

Ever felt like you’ve been let down because no one believes in you and they can’t respect you for who you are? If so, I think you would enjoy reading The Misfits.   The book The Misfits by James Howe is a story of Bobby Goodspeed, his friends, and their journey to create a No-Name political party at their school.  Bobby Goodspeed has a hard time showing respect for his peers in the beginning but in the end, he shows respect.  

Bobby has been called names, as have his friends have for a long time.This possibly could be another reason Bobby has low respect for himself and his peers. Bobby said;  “...Another thing about names is that they do hurt. They hurt because we believe them.” ( pg 250) People believe the names even if they know they aren’t true.  Bobby Goodspeed wants a change in his life but Bobby says; “ When my dads life comes to mind I think, NO WAY! “ (pg 9) Every dads dream is to have his son respect him and follow in his footsteps because to most fathers, their kid is the most important thing in the world to them. Bobby, in the beginning, fails to respect his father.  To respect someone is to consider them worthy of high regard, and Bobby has very low expectations for his dad.   

He has put himself down and lowered his self esteem.  Bobby hasn’t been shown respect therefore he isn’t used to giving much respect. Bobby says;       “...Kelsey Scoggins does not like a boy like me.  And what is a boy like me? you may ask.  Even if you did not know I will tell you: A boy like me is fat.” (pg 80)   Bobby also states; “I think that names are a very small way of looking at a person” (pg 250)  Bobby has been looked at in a small downgraded way. People have decided to judge Bobby before they have given him a chance.  Bobby learns to judge people by what they haven’t done not by what they have. Bobby’s dad hasn’t been respected as much as he should either.  Bobby’s dad tries to be the best single parent that he can be but Bobby doesn't think it’s enough. Bobby’s dad used to be an alcoholic and Bobby can accept that now.   He doesn't want his dad’s life. He thinks his dad is sort of a hermit and a downer because his dad rarely goes anywhere anymore except working at the preschool. Bobby says “My dad was a bit of a low life character himself in those days.  I remember more than once his having a glass of scotch in one hand whilst he was reading me a book from the other.”

Bobby works for a man named Mr. Kellerman and he isn’t shown much respect either.   Bobby calls him “Killer Man” which obviously, right off the bat, says that he doesn't exactly think of highly of him.  Although Mr. Kellerman  is a little crabby and yells “You are five minutes late Mr. Goodspeed!”, (pg 196) he has a sad, lonely life and Bobby doesn't acknowledge that or even think of what his home life might be like. Bobby is turning into a semi-judgemental person.

Bobby becomes respectful at the end of the story by believing in himself. He believes in himself and gives the big speech for the political party in front of the whole school.   He realizes that his dad is doing the best that he can.  When he a has a talk with his dad, he sees that his dad loves him more than anything in the world.  His dad said “You can’t embarrass me. Not ever...” (pg 242)  This said, Bobby sees how hard his dad tries to make him happy and how much he cares about him, no matter how many mistakes he makes.

As for Mr. Kellerman, Bobby learns that his mother had just died and he had been living with her and he is a grown man.  His wife left him and he hasn't been the same since then. Bobby now has a good relationship with Mr. Kellerman and they understand each other better than they ever could.  Mr. Kellerman says at the end of the story “ I just want to shake hands Bobby, a gesture that I hope will signify a knew beginning.  I regret my anger toward you and I thank you for walking home with me and listening.” pg (207)

Showing respect for yourself and your peers is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.  Accepting them for who they are and respecting them for it is the best way to show you are a good friend.  Bobby learned to change and to  accept people for who they they are inside, because no matter what people say, no matter how bad the names are, no matter who says them, you are beautiful, just the way you are.